Monticello AR Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms, Checklists

Getting a Passport in Monticello, AR

Monticello residents in Drew County, Arkansas, often need passports for agribusiness trips, family vacations to Mexico or the Caribbean, or University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) student exchanges. Peak demand hits in spring (March-April for breaks), summer (June-August vacations), and winter holidays, straining local facilities. Last-minute needs arise from emergencies or work—plan 6+ weeks ahead to avoid delays from booked slots or photo rejections [1][2].

Small-town limits mean fewer sites, so verify availability early via the State Department's locator [15]. This guide details forms (DS-11 new vs. DS-82 renewal), checklists, local spots, and pitfalls like wrong forms or glare-prone photos.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Use the State Department's wizard [3] to confirm. Key decisions:

In Monticello, DS-11 requires local acceptance facilities; DS-82 mails nationally [4][5][6][7].

Required Documents Checklist

Photocopy everything (front/back, plain paper). Arkansas birth certificates: Order from AR Department of Health ($12 first copy, rush available) [8].

Adults (DS-11 New/Replacement):

• Unsigned DS-11 [9]
• Citizenship proof (original long-form birth cert preferred)
• Valid photo ID (AR driver's license) + photocopy
• 2x2 photo
• Fees: $130 app (check to "U.S. Department of State") + $35 execution (to facility)
• Name change docs (marriage cert from AR Vital Records)

Renewal (DS-82 Mail):

• Signed DS-82
• Old passport
• Photo
• $130 book/$30 card fee

Minors:

• DS-11
• Citizenship proof
• Both parents' IDs/presence or DS-3053 notarized consent
• Photo (no glasses)
• $100 app + $35 execution
• Veterans: Possible waiver [12]

Expect 15-30 minutes at facilities: Agent verifies, you sign under oath, they seal/submit.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Strict

specs cause frequent issues in AR sunlight [13]:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1⅜ inches
• Color, off-white background, neutral face, eyes open
• No glare/shadows/glasses/hats/uniforms
• <6 months old

Local options: Call Walgreens, CVS, UPS Store, or Monticello Post Office (extra fee). Use State tool for digital check [14]. Pro services beat home prints.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Monticello and Nearby

Limited local spots—book via [15]. Call/email to confirm services, hours, appointments (e.g., Monticello PO: (870) 367-2200; recent feedback notes slots fill 2-4 weeks ahead in peaks). No walk-ins reliably.

• Monticello Post Office
  206 W McCarty St, Monticello, AR 71655
  (870) 367-2200
  Handles DS-11; appointments required [16].

• Drew County Clerk's Office
  210 S Main St, Monticello, AR 71655
  (870) 460-6250
  Verify passport services by phone/email or [15]—not all clerks participate; circuit clerk may not [17].

Nearby (20-30 min drive):

• Dermott Post Office (316 E Speedway St, Dermott, AR; ~20 miles)
• Crossett Post Office (406 Pine St, Crossett, AR; ~25 miles)

Use USPS Priority for DS-82 renewals. Facilities peak mid-mornings/Mondays—aim for early week, mornings/afternoons.

Step-by-Step Application Process

DS-11 In-Person:

1. Fill unsigned DS-11 [9]
2. Gather/photocopy docs/photo
3. Calc fees (expedite +$60) [10]
4. Book via phone/[15]
5. Attend: Sign/pay/seal
6. Track after 7-10 days [18]

DS-82 Renewal:

1. Fill/sign DS-82
2. Attach photo/old passport/fees
3. Mail Priority to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [19]

Expedited/Urgent: +$60 (2-3 weeks); urgent (<14 days, life/death) at Little Rock Agency (2.5 hrs; 1-877-487-2778) [20]. For 14-28 days: Expedite + overnight return ($21.36).

Processing Times and Expectations

Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited: 2-3 weeks. Drew County peaks add delays—buffer 8-10 weeks [21]. Track [18]; UAM students check intl office for group tips.

Common Mistakes and Local Tips

• Wrong Form: Double-check eligibility
• Photos/Docs: Glare from AR sun; missing photocopies
• Appointments: Book early; try multiple sites/phone for cancellations
• Minors: Notarize DS-3053 at USPS/banks
• Birth Certs: AR Vital Records online, same-day rush [8]
• Urgent: Airlines may flex proof

s—call [22]

Printable Checklist

• Right form/service confirmed [3]
• Docs/photo/photocopies ready
• Fees calculated [10]
• Facility confirmed/appointment booked [15]
• Attend/sign/submit
• Track status [18]

Frequently Asked Questions

Renew at Monticello Post Office? No—DS-82 mails only [5].

Urgent timeline? Expedited 2-3 weeks; true emergency via agency [20].

One parent for minor? DS-3053 notarized [11].

Appointment needed? Yes—call ahead [16].

Passport card OK? Land/sea only ($30) [10].

Lost passport? DS-64 then reapply [6].

Fast AR birth cert? Vital Records rush [8].

PO photos? Yes, fee—meet specs [13].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Passport FAQs
[3] Application Wizard (pptform.state.gov)
[4] DS-11 (travel.state.gov/content/dam/passports/forms/DS11.pdf)
[5] DS-82 (travel.state.gov/content/dam/passports/forms/DS82.pdf)
[6] Lost/Stolen (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/lost-stolen.html)
[7] Minors (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/under-16.html)
[8] AR Vital Records (healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/birth-death-records)
[9] Forms (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/forms.html)
[10] Fees (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html)
[11] DS-3053 (travel.state.gov/content/dam/passports/forms/DS3053.pdf)
[12] Veterans (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/under-16.html#veterans)
[13] Photos (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html)
[14] Photo Tool (tsg.phototool.state.gov)
[15] Locator (iafdb.travel.state.gov)
[16] USPS Passports (usps.com/international/passports.htm)
[17] Drew County Clerk (drewcountyar.gov; verify services)
[18] Track (passportstatus.state.gov)
[19] Renewal Address (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/renew-online.html)
[20] Agencies (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies.html)
[21] Times (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html)
[22] Emergencies (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies.html)